Brainstorming

After yesterday's brooding and being unable to sleep last night, my goal today was to work on improving my mental health. I had a wonderfully insightful conversation with one of my housemates this morning, and one thing she suggested was that I draft up a list of things to do or at least try when I am feeling numb/upset/triggered/etc. My psychiatrist and I have been trying to work on the fact that I have a hard time finding pleasure in activities as well as difficulty believing I might find something enjoyable (a remnant of PTSD and depression), but it can't hurt to have a list to come to. Some of these things I do know work-- namely all the things related to animals. Others, well, will have to be put to the test, I suppose.

I know this post sounds like it's mostly for my sake, and it probably is, but I also hope this might spark an idea in someone else if needed. Suggestions are welcome too. :)

Things to Try to Break the Downward Spiral

- petting a cat (or playing with any sort of cuddly animal)
- watching cute videos of animals
- watching comedy videos (e.g. Axis of Awesome, Whose Line, clips of the Swedish Chef from the Muppets)
- blogging
- catching up or rereading webcomics
- finding a new webcomic
- knitting
- cooking/baking
- finding a fuzzy blanket or robe to curl up in
- making a mug of tea to curl up with





... this is surprisingly difficult. To Be Continued...